iOS Simulator Debugger

Before invoking Apple-only binaries, confirm the execution context is macOS. From Windows or Linux, run those steps in a Mac SSH project or through an already configured remote transport; do not retry missing Apple binaries locally.

Use the configured XcodeBuildMCP transport for simulator control, build/run, UI inspection, screenshots, interaction, and logs. Tool namespaces vary by agent, so the names below are the canonical XcodeBuildMCP tool names.

If the user should see or interact with the running app, prefer ios-simulator-browser after this skill has selected or launched the Simulator. Keep this skill focused on build/run, logs, bundle IDs, UI tree inspection, and headless simulator automation.

Workflow

1. Inspect current defaults with session_show_defaults before the first build, run, or test operation.
2. Discover a booted simulator with list_sims. If none is booted, ask the user to boot one unless they asked you to boot it.
3. Set defaults with session_set_defaults: projectPath or workspacePath, scheme, simulatorId, optional configuration: "Debug" and useLatestOS: true.
4. Build/run with build_run_sim when requested. If the build fails, inspect output and retry only when justified, optionally with preferXcodebuild: true.
5. After a successful run, verify launch with snapshot_ui or screenshot before UI interaction.
6. If only launch is requested, use launch_app_sim. If bundle id is unknown, call get_sim_app_path then get_app_bundle_id.

Interaction

• Snapshot before acting: snapshot_ui.
• Tap by id or label first; coordinates only when needed.
• Type after focusing a field with type_text.
• Use gesture for scrolls and edge swipes.
• Capture visual proof with screenshot.

Logs

Use build_run_sim or launch_app_sim; current XcodeBuildMCP releases capture runtime logs automatically and return the log path in the structured result. Read that returned file and summarize important lines. Relaunch through the same tool when fresh console output is required.

Troubleshooting

Wrong app means verify scheme/bundle id. Non-hittable elements require a fresh snapshot_ui after layout changes. Do not keep interacting after an unhandled build or launch failure.